Nanaimo Search and Rescue is now more fully on the path to renovating their existing operating space on Fourth St. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

new home

Nanaimo search and rescue changes course, now staying put in existing building

Sep 17, 2019 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — A new agreement means Nanaimo Search and Rescue won’t have to worry about a finding a new home for 25 years.

Nanaimo SAR and the City have entered into a 25-year co-management agreement for their current base of operations on Fourth St., which is an old fire hall converted into a community centre.

The agreement includes renovating the existing space to better serve operations and handle a large team of search and rescuers.

SAR president Carly Trobridge told NanaimoNewsNOW entering the agreement is the start of an “exciting process.”

“The renovated facility will relieve a number of stressors, like equipment wear, team expansion and training space. At present it’s a functional space, but it needs upgrading. We only have one office, which doesn’t allow us to manage searches remotely as there just isn’t enough room.”

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The facility can roughly hold 25 people but more than 50 people volunteer to help find people in distress throughout the area.

Being able to access the lower portion of the building also means SAR vehicles will have a home and won’t be left outside.

Remaining at the Fourth St. location is a change in direction for Nanaimo SAR.

In 2016 and 2017 the organization was hoping to relocate into the former Greater Nanaimo Water District offices or nearby lands on Nanaimo Lakes Rd.

Lease negotiations began with the City for the move, but building a new facility was expected to cost roughly $2 million.

Nanaimo SAR has approximately $1.2 million through a generous anonymous donor and fundraising. The money will now be used to assist in the renovation of the Fourth St. facility.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit